We recently celebrated Valentine's Day, which has a focus on love for our loved ones. However, as people in Christ, our love is to go beyond those who are closest to us. The lesson from Leviticus brings us the words "You shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord." Leviticus 19:18

In this context of the command to love, reference is also made in this chapter to having a concern for the poor and the alien, not stealing, not to lie, not swearing falsely, not profaning the name of God, not defrauding your neighbor, not rendering an unjust judgment, not showing partiality, and not slandering.

This love is not just a feeling; it gets lived out by what you say and do! What is interesting is that this love is even for the foreigner. At the end of the chapter we have these words, "When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien. The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt." Leviticus 19:33

Notice the common experience that is brought into the picture. Likewise, as we think about our love, we also need to think of the fact that we are all very human and fragile. We are a diverse group of people on this planet.

I would encourage you to reflect on these words in your preparation for Sunday worship. May God's blessing be upon your study and worship.

Discipleship Questions for Reflection

How much does your love extend to others?

Notice how the command to love is phrased; so how much do you love yourself?